Researchers analyzed data from 9 studies to see if virtual reality could help adults feel less anxious and experience less pain during oral surgery procedures like tooth extractions or dental implants. The studies involved patients who wore VR headsets during their procedures, typically showing calming scenes or games to distract them.
The analysis found that virtual reality was linked to reduced anxiety and pain during surgery. The effect on pain reduction was moderate, while the effect on anxiety was smaller but still noticeable. The researchers used statistical methods to combine results from different studies, which gives more confidence than looking at single studies alone.
It's important to know this review only included 9 studies, and the researchers noted a need for more high-quality research with larger groups of patients. The studies didn't report on safety concerns or side effects from using VR during surgery. While these results are promising, they don't prove virtual reality causes the reductions, and we don't know if the benefits would apply to all types of surgery or patients.